Catalogue of the 6th Biennale of Young Greek Architects

Available.
Order: info@heliarch.gr
ISBN: 978-960-98072-3-4
Pages: 192
Dimensions: 21×28 cm

This year’s Biennale holds special significance for the Hellenic Institute of Architecture because, firstly, the organization marks fifteen years of continuous presence in the Greek architectural scene, and secondly, the number of submissions was nearly four times greater than the first time we organized it. Such a strong response from the younger generation of Greek architects both encourages us and at the same time obliges us to continue presenting their work, which, as always, serves as a message of optimism for the future of Greek architecture even if, as the past fifteen years have shown, this message has not been realized to the extent we would all have wished.

However, the need exists, but our State has not taken action in this direction. The Institute has tried to fill this gap by establishing, from the very beginning, clear and merit-based selection procedures. As a result, after fifteen years, the Biennale has now become an established institution. Therefore, it is particularly encouraging for our efforts that the two oldest Schools of Architecture in Greece those of Athens and Thessaloniki have decided to assist in the organization and, with their prestige, to support it by covering part of the expenses.

There is also something else that is significant this year: we are organizing a cultural event at a time when our country is undergoing an unprecedented socio-economic crisis, one that intensely calls into question even the very structure and network of institutions by which we have lived all these years. Architecture is called upon to express this prevailing atmosphere and to propose new ways of managing the built environment, if we, as architects, wish to regain the credibility we have lost in recent years. It is worth noting that in most of the 368 proposals submitted, and even more so in the 74 that were selected, this concern is clearly evident. What remains to be seen is the public’s response to these new proposals and whether an opportunity will arise for a dialogue to develop, one that could contribute to the broader reflection within society.

First of all, I must thank the selection committee, whose members were Nikos Kalogirou, Lois Papadopoulos, and Dimitris Papalexopoulos, with Professor Elias Constantopoulos serving as the general coordinator and curator of the exhibition. I would also like to extend special thanks not only to the Schools of Architecture of Athens and Thessaloniki but also to the sponsors who, during these difficult times, demonstrated their interest in the architecture of our country. Specifically, I wish to thank the Technical Chamber of Greece, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and OPAP, as well as the companies Sapountzis and SIAS, and the architectural journals DOMES and Ellinikes Kataskeves (Greek Constructions). Finally, I must emphasize the always important contribution of the staff of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, especially my colleague and director Marianna Milioni, who is also co-curator of the exhibition, and the always active Iro Foutrou.

6th Biennale of Young Greek Architects